Carl Owen Fairbairn passed from this world on August 1, 2024. He courageously and stoically fought a deadly melanoma and maintained gratitude for his family and friends during this challenging process.  He was surrounded by family and assisted by hospice when he lifted his arm and surrendered to peace.

He was born January 25, 1930, in Freeport, IL. His parents were William and Rosalie (King) Fairbairn.  He walked over a mile each way to Ridott grade school, and graduated from Freeport High School, Class of 1947.  He attended the University of Illinois. Carl was on his high school debate team and loved a good debate and helped his team qualify for state champions! He valued family, hard work, friendship, loyalty and a good education.  Living by example, he was instrumental in assisting many people with tuition or scholarships.  He made his community a better place.

Carl married Neenah Hughes of Woodbine at First Methodist Church on December 31, 1958, in Freeport.  Their three children are Stephen Fairbairn of Carmel IN, Malcolm Fairbairn of LaFayette CA, and Colleen (Steven) Bowar of Cross Plains WI.

Carl was a lifelong grain farmer on the Cherry Hill Fairbairn farm, with many friends in the agricultural community.  Corn and soybeans were the main crops.  However, he grew wheat, sweet corn, and peas a few years. He dearly loved the land that he worked and took great pride in being its caretaker.  His blue eyes sparkled with joy when telling stories – fish stories, dog stories, turtle stories and others! He was a lifelong and successful stock market investor. But, his greatest love was sharing time with family and friends.  If that included breaking bread at a buffet, that was like a small piece of heaven on earth.  Family first was his motto.

He belonged to several civic organizations: Rural Youth, Jaycees, Toastmasters and Farm Bureau.  Carl served on the Stephenson County Board, also as a trustee on Highland Community College.  Carl is a constituent of Faith United Methodist Church in Freeport. He was a faithful man who believed in God and an afterlife.

Surviving are his wife Neenah, his three children: Stephen, Malcolm and Colleen, seven grandchildren: Jacqueline Mentink (Jeffrey Lange) of Blue Mounds WI, Alyssa (Jacob) Thronson and their two children Harper and Magnus, of Dodgeville WI, Benjamin Mentink of Whitewater WI, Nina Fairbairn and Grant Fairbairn of Layfayette CA, and Madelyn and Ian Fairbairn of Carmel IN.

Also surviving are his brother Orval (Linda Yuhas) of Port Orange FL, Carol Fairbairn sister-in-law of Wauwatosa WI, and three nephews:  Larry (Kelly) of South Beloit, Jeffrey of Wauwatosa, and Kevin (Theresa) Fairbairn of Oklahoma City, OK.

Special friends, Terry and Ann Frint, have been part of Carl's life for decades and have a special place in his heart. Their kindred friendship even shared the same birthday 22 years apart.

Predeceasing him in death: his parents, his sister Elta in 1945 and brother Frederick in 2014 and two twin grandsons- Brian and Michael Mentink (Colleen) in 1992.

As Carl liked to celebrate, he chose to have his celebration of life while he could enjoy it at St Mary's in Pine Bluff. He cherished all who shared that day with him and enjoyed the spread of food.

Our family expresses gratitude to FHN Hospice for their assistance.

There will be a graveside service at 11:00 am at the Ridott Cemetery on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 located at 6800 E Cherry Hill Rd, Ridott IL.  For those that may need a chair for the service, please feel free to bring one along to the cemetery. A luncheon at Ciminos Pizza located at 421 Challenge St, Freeport, IL.   All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial money will be given to Highland Community College Foundation for scholarships in any field and to the Outreach program – the fund that offers assistance to students in need "Hope Fund".  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com                                                                               .